The BC Lions Football Club officially announced today that free agent quarterback Joey Elliott has agreed to terms on a contract with the team.

Elliott spent three seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and dressed for 33 games in that span including nine as the team’s starter. Last season, the Purdue grad enjoyed his most productive year as a pro throwing for 2,101 yards and five touchdowns while completing 60.7% of his passes.

“Joey brings quality playing experience to the table and this is a key signing for our club,” said Lions VP of football operations and GM Wally Buono. “He is going to make us better by raising the competition of our back-up quarterbacks heading into training camp.”

Originally joining the Bombers in July 2010, Elliott served as a back up to former Lions pivot Buck Pierce and notched a career outing last season throwing for 406 yards and a touchdown in a win over Hamilton on August 12th. He has also enjoyed two 300-yard passing efforts and six games of 200 or more passing yards in his nine career starts.

“Joey definitely strengthens our quarterback ranks and I’m very pleased to have him joining us,” said head coach Mike Benevides. “He’s played in some big games both at the college level and in the CFL and that kind of experience is difficult to find in a back-up quarterback.”

Elliott and the rest of the Lions will hit the field in Kamloops for 2013 Training Camp presented by Sun Peaks Resort beginning Sunday, June 2.